davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18
To Whom 1t May Concern.

Just few words, Mr.. Editor, to
thank " Truth y for defending me and
to correct the impression that l may
have given to others, as well as your
self, that thought the instances which
1 described prevailed to such an extent
as to make them the rule. do not think
so. think there are exceptions; but,
as said before, there are too many
such cases. Because you never knew
of such cases by no means proves that
they do not exist. know the lady of
whom l wrote, whose parents are
dead, and l know she does not regret
one thing that she ever did for them,
and no doubt wishes she could have
done much more. / know of instances
similar to the one "Truth" described,
and, like that daughter, am sure they
are glad to do all they can to help and
comfort father and mother. But this
does not right the wrong. Neither
can we do anything to right it, any
more than we can prevent crimes, but
if our words set even one father to
thinking in the right direction they
have not been in vain. l know of
some fathers who treat their children
all alike, paying the daughter wages
from the time she became of age, the
same as the son; and know of one who
clothes his daughter very nicely, pays
all her expenses and gives her S25 a
year to save for her future needs. So
this proves that do not think them all
alike. And now, sisters who have
troubles of any kind more than you
can bear, and are looking forward to
future years, wondering what you are
to do, try to look on the bright side,
For perhaps the dreaded future.
Has less bitterness than think;
The Lord may sweeten the waters
Before we stoop to drink;
Or, if Marah must be Marah,
He will stand beside the brink"
All have their trials and perplexities,
and each one is apt to think their own
the hardest to bear. But the less we
think about them the better it will be.
Worry kills more than work. Try to
think that
Though your skies be overcast,
And storms arise which seem to last
Above the sun is shining;
And he who doeth all things well
Will in good time the storms dispel
And show the silver lining"
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18
" BilIy Gray"

The writer, when boy, was clerk in
a store in Boston. Mr.. William Gray
used often to pass through Dock
Square on his way to and from his
home. He rode horseback, and my
memory runs back for over seventy
years to the time when it appeared
to me that the man and his horse were
we'll matched. Mr.. Gray was plainly
dressed, bore very pleasant appear
ance, of medium size; indeed he had a
very benevolent look, and his sayings
and doings were much talked of at that
time-say from 1915 to 1919. He was
called rich. He made his money prob
ably by being engaged in the East and
West India rubber trade. 1t was said
of him that he never insured his ships
or their cargoes. On one occasion
valuable ship belonging to outside
parties was overdue. The owners of
the ship and cargo were very anxious
in regard to the arrival of it. They
tried different insurance companies,
but could not affect an insurance. AS
last resort they applied to Mr. Gray.
The ship and cargo were valued at
100000. Mr.. Gray offered to take the
risk for a premium of 100000. The
owners of the property closed the bar
gain, and in less than a week the ship
and cargo were safe alongside the
wharf. Then the owners of the ship
and cargo called on Mr.. Gray for a re-
bate, on the ground that Mr.. Gray had
had no trouble about the matter. The
reply was, Gentlemen, if the ship and
cargo had gone to the bottom would
you have considered me any?" OF
course that was the end of the argu-
ment. When quite young man Mr..
Gray was working for shoemaker as
cobbler. His employer was poor and
was frequently hard up for money. In
such cases he would call on Mr.. Gray
for loans of money, and always pro-
cured all he wanted, which led his en-
ployer to believe that Gray was rich.
AT one time, in Salem, l think it was, a
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18
Mistellamp.
Come to the Woods.

Come to the woods, for the wild birds are singing,
The sprays all green and the flowers are gay,
Come where the birch all its tassels are pluming,
And fresh-looking cowslips-oh come, come away
Come to the woods, there Is health in the blowing
OF freshscented breezes that tint the cheek gay
Come where the tree boughs above you bending
Down through their coverts-oh come come away
Come to the woods, come kneel on the MOSES,
And see how the sun old Earths bosom turns gay
Come where the ferns the gray rocks darkenng.
Come to the woods-oh come, come away
Mrs Harry Don, IN GOOD Housekeeping.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18
Concerning WOman's Work.
BY "DRIFrwooD."

A woman's work is, like the weaver's
web, composed of many threads, and
every one must be kept in constant use,
else the weaver will begreatly hindered
in repairing broken threads or the
beauty of the fabric much injured. The
daily routine of housekeeper without
servants is enoughto appal any one un-
accustomed to it. How often we see one
woman busily employed every day, with
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18

IT is the height of farm wisdom to
market all the crops at home, when
you can do so without loss. Remem-
Der that every pound of fodder, hay or
grain, that can be turned into meat, or
butter. or wool at such rate as to pay
its market price leaves at least three
fourths of its manurial value in a shape
that may be returnedt to the fields to in
crease their productiveness, and this
alone gives good proft.-Rral Nelo
Yorker.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18

THAT tired feeling afilicts nearly
every one in the spring. The system,
having become accustomed to the brac-
ing air of winter, is weakened by the
warm days of the changing season and
readily yields to attacks of disease
Hoods Sarsaparilla is just the medi-
cine needed. 1t tones and builds up
every part of the body and also expels
all impurities from the blood. Try it
this season.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18
Mother Hubbards.

edo you ever wear Mother Hub
bards when you are at work p, asked
Mrs. Leigh. "Never," was the an
swer. " am too fat to transform my
self into tub. Besides that, the only
Mother Hubbard l ever had dipped into
everything and mopped dirt off from
pots and kettles and looked so slovenly
after one day of wearing that I gave it
away. l don't believe was intended
for that style of dress, although | be-
lieve in it on principle, or / suppose l
do, so much is written in its favor"
| like the dresses you always wear
much better for working in than them
floppy gowns" said Aunt Hepsy. eyes,
l like my cotton working dresses so
well that l have cut them the same
style for eight years. l use an ordinary
basque pattern and cut it off evenly
about four inches below the waist, then
| make the skirt with cores and gather
it with an inch-wide heading turned
over, and sew it upon the edge of the
basque. Sometimes | put little ruffie
on the skirt, but very rarely, for l have
to do up the dresses myself and l don't
like to spend much time on them. 1
used to gore the skirts, but gave that
up as matter of economy, for when
they are cut with all the breadths
straight | can turn the back around
to the front when the front and sides
begin to wear. When | gather the
skirt use double linen thread and
wind the end around a button that |
sew on the edge of the waist under
meath, so when rip the skirt off to
turn it hind to befront,' as my little
Minnie calls it, don't have to gather
it over again unless l am very careless
in ripping it off. Our Country Home.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18

A MOTHERS blessing is an infant
food which can be relied on to agree
with her little one and to prevent
those dangerous bowel disorders SO
often prevalent. Lactated Food is
such an article, and where once used
is always relied on. Sold in three
sizes.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18
ADVERTISEMENTS.
ANOTHER SUDDEN DEATH.

Hardly week passes without the men
ton by the newspapers of sudden deaths,
and of late the alarming frequency of the
statement that death was caused by rheu-
matism or neuralgia of the heart cannot
fail to have been noticed. In all proba
bility many deaths attributed TO heart dis
ease are caused by these terrible diseases,
which are far more dangerous than is gen.
orally considered. Is there any positive
cure2 The best answer to such a question
is given by those who hare been cured by
the use of Athlophoros.
Dover, N. H., March %, 1886.
have for years suffered with muscular
rheumatism in back Of my head, neck and
arms; the pain was intense and seemed to
grow steadily worse. | used two bottles
of Athlophoros and it brought relief almost
Immediately. | believe Athlophoros to be
pure, honest medicine, and there is no
question it will certainly cure rheumatism.
Mrs. +. KENNEDY, Orchard Street.
Chicopee, Mass, Ma %, 1886.
have suffered for over five years with
muscular rheumatism, being treated by
several physicians besides taking number
less remedies; the doctors could not cure
me and the different medicines gave me no
relief There was one remedy had not
tried--Athlophoros | bought three bottles
of it, taking them according to directions.
commenced at night before retiring. The
next morning, after good nights rest,
was perfectly free from pain. My rheu-
matism went and has never returned
Athlophoros effected a cure in my obstinate
case and believe it will in that of any one
suffering with rheumatism or neuralgia.
G.. +. LEWIS.
Every druggist should keep Athlophoros
and Athlophoros Pills, but where they cam
not be bought of the druggist the Athlo-
phoros Co., 1l2 Wall St., New York, will
send either Carriage paid on receipt of
regular price, which is $l.00 per bottle
for Athlophoros and SOC. for Pills.
For liver and kidney diseases dyspepsia, in,
digestion, weakness, nervous debility diseases
of women, constipation, headache, impure
blood, &c, Athlophoros Pills are unequaled,
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18
The DEAF

PeCkS Patent Improved Cushioned Ear Drums
PERFECTLY RESTORE THE HEARING,
matter whether deafness is caused by colds,
fevers, or injuries to the natural drums. Always in
position, but invisible to others and comfortable
to wear. Music. conversation, even whispers heard
distinctly. We refer to those using them. Send for
illustrated book of proofs free. Address +. HIS
cox, $40 Broadway, New York.
The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-05-18
RHEUMATISM CURED.

BURLINGTON, W., Jan. 49, 1886.
NEuRoTIc on Co.: GenHemen-I have
been troubled with rheumatism in my leg
for some time; so severe at times that
could not walk. / used three bottles of
Neurotic Oil and it has cured me entirely.
II. CROKER.
Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-12-22
FROM A MOTHERS DIARY.
A Christmas Poem.

IHAT tdings I have
heard to-day!
They say my boy viii
soon be we'll
That ON his cheek viii
cease to burn
The fever-f1res. They
strangely tell
His wasted strength will
all return
In pastures gre Q n
where. undistressod,
He shall lie down to
perfect rest:
Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-12-22

you by the hand; you were engaged 70 one
Of the incest girls in town. Now look al
you! Poor, brokcn-down, friends and re
spectabiIty all gone together. O, Job. Job
you're good for nothing!-unless," and inc
Deacon became impressive and shook nus
forefinger, '.you may be Of some use as
walking lecture on temperance"
Job Harkins wiped his eyes with the back
Of his hand.
'.Still, l pity you, Job; indeed do. We
ere none of US too strong. lead US not IN
to temptation is my own daily prayer.
wont give you a half dollar; I'll do better
than that. Can trust you!"
"Yes, you can, Deacon. Nobody ever
speaks to me as you do"
The good man hesitated. "He's perfectly
sober for once" was the thought that de-
termined him.
''Well, Job, I'll try you. I've got some
thing for you to do right of, that know
from past experience nobody can do better.
I'll give you q dollar, bed tonight, and
such Christmas dinner with my help, as
you haven't had since we sent the tur-
keys down to the army. want to keep you
from the tavern tomorrow. Look there"
He pointed to the stately occupant OF the
fOyyl-house
t'By thunder, what a buster!' was the
admiring comment.
biggest in town." said the owner COM
piacently. sPve fatted him carefully for
tips the scale at twenty-five pounds,
just as he is. I'm going to have dozen at
the table tomorrow; the young man from
Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-12-22

ners himself but with his stern face at the
.sDie, the children would b obliged to sit
luxe dummies, and eat in sepulchral silence,
lor the father was firm believer in the
ooctrlne that children should be seen. not
neard" and allowed no frivolous chatter
ing at meel-time.
She had been putting away surreptitious
oaiis OF butter and dozens of eggs, in the
nope OF being able to smuggle a few little
trlnes quietly into their stockings, but her
heart was heavy with q sense of her in
ability to make the holiday such q one as
she would like.
| Jane" said Mr. Rexford, coming in
from the village with an envelope in his
nand, II don't know what ever you'll do,
but III have to leave We for awhile"
What is it, Mr.. Reuords" she asked, in
surprise; it was very seldom either duty or
pleasure took him from home.
why Johns dead. an they telegraphed
me to come and tend the funeral, an
spose It's nv dooty to go"
''Of course it IS, Joseph" replied the
wife, land I'll get along all right. Billy
Grant viii come over and do the chores"
John was Mr.. Rexford's brother. another
branch Of the Rexford family tree, which,
though not as gnarled and knotty as Joseph
himself, still bore enough resemblance to
prove his relationship beyond y DOUBT.
There had been as much of q repressed
and undemonstrative affection between
them as could be expected, and this, COM
bined with a sense of duty, procured his
absence from home at this Opportune mo-
ment for the children
Such On event had only occurred once or
twice in their life time before; GASES in the
dreary desert Of their experience, which
were looked back to with delight
''How long shall you be gone, Mr.. Rex
fords' asked the wife. She could not
mourn for the brOther-in-law whom she had
never seen but once, aud whose attitude
then had not been such as to inspire affec-
ton, and faint hope was springing up in
her heart that for once the children could
have holiday worthy Of the name.
Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-12-22

OF his shirt. His deep bass almost
drowned the feebler notes Of others at the
meeting house. He was the terror of the
boys who misbehsved themselves there
But he was really kind beneath severe
manner. Ee was good citizen. fond of his
home and his family; and he dearly loved
good eating.
The profound look of satisfaction that at
first beamed upon his broad face now gave
way to one of perplexitv.
ats task l hate he soliloQuized
Z" But never could trust Job Harkins.'
The deacon would have resented severe
ly any mention Of that profane saying:
Speak of the devil. and he's sure to ap-
pear" But the time-honored saw was
never better Illustrated than at that mo-
ment.
~ say, Deacon =, can't You give me
half-a-dollar.''
Deacon Cleghorn turned and saw man
about thirty-fiv years old, clad in rusty,
soiled suit of somebody's cass-off clothes.
His face was thin and bore marks of dissi-
patton. He was hungry-looking and had a
nervous. twitchy way, that spoke sadly of q
late debauch. He looked. and was, every
thing that the Deacon was not.
Job Harilins. you wretched person, what
brings you here!'
'Tl tell you, Deacon" The man spoke
whiningly. Yet with a certain air of sssur.
ance. as if he knew to whom he was talking.
Tomorrow Christmas, you know They're
going to have a big dinner at the tavern
real half-dollar feed turkey. roast pig and
fixings. It's been good while since I've
had swell feed like that; and thought
mebbe-for old acquaintance sake, you
know-that you wouldn't mind giving me
the half"
Some pity was mingled with the severity
OF the Dcacon's look
':Job, you know how I've tried to help
you.'
80. yes; you've been very good to me-
''But you won't be helped. You will con-
tinue to be your own worst enemy"
The poor fellow hung his head.
"Just think what you were ten years agoi
You'd made drst-rate record for yourself
n the war: ev0y body was glad to talre
Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-12-22

sentimental doings, children being, in bis
eyes, necessary evils, from which to extract
the greatest amount of work with tho least
amount of love and money.
The mother rose, lamp in hand, and fol
lowed them softly; she helped them un-
dress with soft, gentle touches, and then
drew them to her side for their evening
prayer Little Nan, ten years Of age, was
Just at the point of tears, and when she
came to the phrase in her simple prayer
saGod bless papa and mamma" her voice
broke into muffied sob. 1t was so hard to
pray for the father, who apparently loved
them so little.
s.Hush, darling" said Mrs. Rexford, al
most in tears herself, as she drew the quIv-
ering little form to her heart; perhaps
mamma will find q way YETI
Ted was thirteen, and in his rebellious
feelings omitted the customary phrase
from his prayer entirely. 1.-THE mean old
thing" he muttered, angrily, I'D like to
lick him"
..Hush, dears," she said, gently, "father
doesn't mean to be unkind."
ssWhat does he do it for, thenl" de-
manded the boy, and the mothers lips were
shut, for she had no adequate reply for
such q pertinent question.
All this was done in whispers, and . "a
miliar voice broke In upon tho converse
ton ct this juncture: s'Going to stay in
there al night, Janer' And hastily tuck
ing them into their beds, with loving Kisses
On the little grieved lips, she left them hur-
riedly to the gentle comforter, sleep,
which seldom refuses to come to healthy
childhood.
This was two weeks before Christmas,
and week went by, and Mrs. Rexford saw
no possible way to fulAu the hope she had
cherished Of making it pleasant day for
The children. She could get up GOOD din
~. Nr. BEDFORD was fond Of good din
Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-12-22

popcorn, apples and oranges and gifts, un-
til the children were nearly wild with do
| light when they saw it.
A long pail, full Of some my sterious CON-
| pound, had been sitting in tub in the
woodshed, careiessly covered over with .
piece Of carpet, and this was found to con-
| tain ice-cream, and after all the otbes
things had been distributed, it came IN.
piled up in delicious masses of frozen
sweetness, on Mrs. Rexford's best china
| saucers, together with the angels food
which Aunt Nan had baked that day
Mrs. Rexford actually cried with sur
pr;sed delight when Ted gave her q lovely
plush worh-box. the first gift he had cye1
beeL able to make her, and told his story Of
the kind gentleman and his gold watch
Poor thing! she had enjoyed little Of merri
ment or gift-making since her marriage.
and she enjoyed this, a only kindly, cheer.
full heart, cramped into space far too ANAL
for it, can enjoy liberty and love freely ex-
pressed.
Mother" said Ted, when, at late hour.
Mrs. Rexford gathered her little Cock 10
gether for their evening prayers. 1T a
ways seemed when said Our Heayealu
Father as il He was stern and cross iuc3
like father, but think He must be rood a
BE wouldn't let u had such y lovesv
Christmas."
Teddy, poor child" said Aunt Nan. ~
her kindly bright eyes were full Of teawR
whatever comes, dear boy, don't foreuf
that, whatsoever your earthly father may h
your Heavenly Father 10 al teuderneas - {
love toward you"
Before Mr.. Rexford's return, al tracsa - =
the festivities were removed; he peesnej
quite softcned BY The scenes throu9h W.
Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-12-22
1believe I'll go out to dinner,n la.shed

II believe I'll go out to dinner" laashe>
young Ciarice.
..It's too darned mean,r voted twelve
year-old Solomon, junior, rucfully.
ssWe mus: make the best Of il, !" said tn
Deacon. s'Such trials are sent to test om
Christian equanimity. Sally, il the Captain
is half the man think he is, he won't mind
1t. He's eaten bareback and bacon or
Christmas before now"
sBut what shall we dof' Mrs. Cleghorn
| persisted.
boil ham; that, with your filings,
must do. What can't be cured must be en-
dured"
but the minister"
swell. Dorothy, should hope the min
| ister's piety don't depend on turkey for din
ner. 1 shall tell the story at the table, just
as it is; and they'll have to make the best
of it, tOo''
This view was finally acquiesced in all
round; in fact, there was nothing else to
do. Mrs. Cleghorn and her girls busted
themselves in the kitchen. Captain Brad
street arrived before breakfast, and young
Sol, accommodating at parlOr window, re-
ported more hugging and kissing than he
had seen in year. Excepting the younger
sister, who stayed at home to care for the
tended an extraordinary centennial Christ
mas meeting They listened to sermon an
hour and twenty minutes long, and the
deacon sang with unusual JUNCTION. At two
O'Clock all were gathered about the long
table at home, with the minister, the doc
tor. the lawyer, and their wives, and the
Captain. 1t was a beautifully spread
board, even without q turkey.
The ''grace before meat" was said, and
the deacon, with a slight "ahem" was
about to proceed with his apology and ex-
PLANTATION.
Then something very astonishing to him
occurred.
The door into the kitchen opened, and Job
Harkins appeared, shaved, hair nicely
brushed, and with a clean white apron.
On a great platter he bore aloft the missing
turkey, done to a beautiful brown, nicely
garnished, presenting perfect picture.
"Just out Of the oven, sir,' said Job with
great solemnity, placing it before the
Deacon.
The murmurs of surprise and approval
caused by its unusual size allowed the good
man and his family time to gather their
wits, and appear as though nothing I'M
usual had happened. A boisterous inquiry by
Master Cleghorn as to where that came from,
was promptly suppressed. The Deacon's
spirits rose; the feast proceeded; the turkey
and other viands were amply discussed, and
before the domestic brought in the pies,
fruit and coffee there were laughter, mirth
and conversation all around the table,
When young Solomon briskly said to his
Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-12-22
TED's CHRISTMAS.
A. Good Story for Some Parents
to Read.

Il E YRE going to
have q Christmas
tree, an nuts, an
candy, an iee-ereamr ~
and little Mans eyes
stuck out with the
delights Of imagins-
ton.
"My!Won't that be
joly!" Ted was the
next speaker, and in
the excitement Of the
moment he forgot